Precollege Jazz Program

The Jazz Arts major is open by audition to all musically qualified and interested students ages 12-18, making Manhattan School of Music one of the few institutions in the country offering jazz programs at the intermediate, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The Jazz Arts Program includes private lessons, combos, big band, and studies in improvisation, ear training, theory, composition/arranging, and jazz history/styles/analysis. The program gives talented instrumental students the opportunity to grow as young jazz artists. Students in this program have won numerous national honors including Downbeat, ASCAP, Mingus, and Monk Awards. We do not offer a jazz voice major.

LIVE JAZZ AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

WindInstruments, Violin, Viola, Cello

Prepared selection: CharlieParker’s “Billie’s Bounce” — medium tempo with standard or alternate chordchanges. Include at least three choruses of improvisation. Accompanists will beprovided. Download music in a printable PDF format:

Improvisation: Play a jazz classic or standard song inany jazz style. You must include at least three choruses of improvisation. Theselection is your choice, and composers to consider are Thelonious Monk, MilesDavis, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, GeorgeGershwin, Tito Puente, Wayne Shorter, etc. Accompanists will be provided.

Scales: Concert B-flat and F major. Play scalesto highest possible range up and down. Tempo: quarter-note=60 andquarter-note=120. Play one scale staccato and one scale legato.

Piano,Guitar, Bass (acoustic and electric)

Prepared selection: Charlie Parker’s“Billie’s Bounce” — medium tempo with standard or alternate chord changes.Include at least three choruses of improvisation. Accompanists will beprovided. Download music in a printable PDF format:

Play the “Billie’s Bounce” blues choruses: 2 choruses of time, 2 choruses of trading 4s, 2choruses of solo, repeat chorus of time. Accompanists will be provided.Download music in a printable PDF format: